Kyozo Hayashi

OPTICAL DATA LINK FOR MULTIPLEX WIRING

Optical data links have been developed for use in multiplex wiring harnesses. The links consist of optical fiber cords, optical connectors, and optical transceiver modules. They can be operated under severe environmental conditions in motor vehicles and, because they have wide dynamic range, sensitivity adjustment is not required. A heat-resistant optical fiber cord made of plastic has been developed to enable use at temperatures up to 80 deg C. Mass-producible, low cost optical connectors have also been developed. In optical transceiver modules, custom designed hybrid ICs are adopted for size reduction. These optical data links are already in use in the Toyota Century.

FIBER-OPTIC DATA LINK FOR VEHICLE NAVIGATION

Fiber-optic data links have been developed for use in vehicle navigation systems, especially for the communication of CD data. The links consist of transmitters, receivers, and cable assemblies. The transmitters, which include only LEDs, must have driver circuits on their exteriors. In the receiver section, a PD, an amplifier, and a TTL compatible comparator are all integrated into the custom designed IC which is hermetically sealed into an originally developed metal package. Small optical connectors and heat-resistant plastic fiber cords with sufficient reliability and good operability for automotive uses have also been developed.